Considering the benefits and consequences of AI in the world at large

Module details

  • Offered to 3rd Year students in Spring term
  • Thursdays 16:00-18:00
  • Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington) & Online
  • 1-term module worth 5 ECTS  
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore  

The module aims to introduce you, as a student with a STEMM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) background to the theories and concepts from social sciences and especially the area of Science and Technology Studies (STS), which is concerned with the the relationship between scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society. You will be able to engage in co-creation and responsible innovation in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics and analyse consequences of these technologies in their economic, social, and political contexts. You will also be asked to apply the theoretical insights to real applications, case studies, and ongoing projects at Imperial College or with partners from industry.

You will learn about the political, cultural and social effects of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. You will discuss the democratization of these technologies as well as the ever-pressing question, who is responsible for this technology? You will work with a group to delve into these subjects, as well as work independently.  

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year. 

Accordian

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will better be able to: 

  • Understand and apply the main concepts of Science and Technology Studies (STS),
  • Discuss the different perspectives on co-creation and responsible innovation,
  • Debate the intended and unintended consequences of innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence,
  • Assess the value of inclusion of external users in their design and testing
  • Apply co-creation to case studies and to the design of AI and Robotics solutions/innovation.
Indicative core content

The module will introduce you to the following theories and concepts from social sciences: 

  • Social dimensions of technology 
  • Empathising vs configuring the user 
  • Democratizing innovation 
  • Innovation governance and responsibility 
  • Challenges of co-creation at the public/private interface 
  • How do technologies become shaped by social, economic, and political influences and why is this consequential for our engagement with AI/robotics innovation?
  • How do technologies enable and constrain processes of organizing?
  • How do crowds and open sourcing influence digital innovation?
  • How does digital innovation differ in public and private sectors?
  • How do we design with stakeholders in mind to achieve more effective and sustainable outcomes?
Learning and teaching approach

The course will combine theory and practice. After each lecture on theory, we will ask you to work in groups under the supervision of a tutor who will guide you with the use of brainstorming platforms and observations of the design and testing of robotics or artificial intelligence solutions.

Peer review and informal suggestions from the instructors will happen in a live session 75% of the way through the module (ungraded).  The group projects and individual essays will be marked with feedback and returned within ten business days of the due date.

Assessment

Practical: 

  • Group presentation (50%) 

Coursework: 

  • Individual short essay assignment (1,000-1,200 words) (50%)  
Key information
  • Requirements: It is compulsory to take an I-Explore module during your degree (you’ll take an I-Explore module in either your 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your department). You are expected to attend all classes and undertake approximately 105 hours of independent study in total during the module. Independent study includes for example reading and preparation for classes, researching and writing coursework assignments, project work and preparing for other assessments 
  • I-Explore modules are worth 5 ECTS credit towards your degree; to receive these you will have to pass the module. The numerical mark that you obtain will not be included in the calculation of your final degree result, but it will appear on your transcript 
  • This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 6 course 
  • This module is offered by the Business School  

Got any questions?

Contact the lecturer
Susan Scott
susan.scott@imperial.ac.uk